An Irish-American tourist has captured photos of an apparent apparition of Jesus Christ at the Cliffs of Moher.
Sandra Clifford, a pilot from San Francisco, captured the image on her digital camnrea when she visited the famous Co. Clare tourist attraction on November 4 last.
Clifford (42) and her friend Fiona Fay from Drogheda Co. Louth were spellbound by what they saw and immediately Clifford snapped the shot of what they said appeared to be the face of Jesus Christ. Fay first spotted what appeared to be an image of a man before pointing it out to Clifford.
“To me it was Jesus Christ straight away,” added Clifford, who is a practicing Catholic.
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“I am a pilot, so I am always skeptical of what I see, that is why I started grabbing people and asking them what they saw,” Clifford told IrishCentral.
Clifford proceeded to ask a group of German men if they could see the outline, they nodded their heads in agreement, she says, and began taking photos. She also asked a young Asian girl if she could see the outline before she responded, “Oh yeah, that's cool”.
“It was amazing,” Clifford added, who was enjoying a two-week vacation in Ireland with her mother when she captured the shot.
“I really wanted to go to the cliffs, I love the ocean.
“I always have my camera and I love taking pictures,” said the American pilot, who took over 800 shots during her trip to Ireland.
It had been raining prior to the sighting and the pilot recalls, “it was a day of rainbows”.
Later that night when she showed the image on her camera to locals in Gus O'Connors Pub in Doolin, they were also in awe.
Teresa O’Flaherty, who owns the bar with her husband Patric, told IrishCentral that they couldn’t believe their eyes.
“I was like, wow, I actually thought it was a picture of a picture, I was shocked,” she said.
“It’s very definitely an image of Christ,” she said.
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The image stirred the bar owner’s curiosity so much that she went to the famous cliffs to have a look for herself.
“I actually went there the following day to see if I could see it,” said O’Flaherty.
“They weren’t they kind of people to make it up,” she said, adding, “they didn’t come in to show it to us and they weren’t making a big deal about it”.
“We have five or six bus tours a day coming into the town but I have never seen anything like that.
“I was delighted to have seen it, because if someone had told me, I would have said ‘no way’,” O’Flaherty concluded.
Clifford maintains the images are 100 percent legitimate and points out the original photograph is still in the camera, which she passed around in the Co. Clare pub that evening. When a friend offered to touch up the photograph back in the US she refused, insisting she wanted to maintain its originality.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.adrienrain | Nov 16, 2011, 08:56 PM EST
It's not nearly as recognizable as it was on the tortilla...................
ballindaggin | Nov 16, 2011, 12:12 PM EST
That's one of those guys fron Planet of the Apes.
dave1948 | Nov 15, 2011, 05:16 PM EST
I don't think if God is making his presence known, it would be a rock formation that looks kinda like his sons face. We've already got Jesus's face in a grilled cheese sandwich that sold on ebay for thousands of dollars. What's with the Caucasian Jesus anyway he was born in the mid-east.
Tooreenagrena | Nov 15, 2011, 12:27 PM EST
This is one of the many things that gives Catholicism a bad name
4bigbob2 | Nov 14, 2011, 07:58 PM EST
We ran this pic under our publisher's enhancement software and it actually looks more like a FEMALE, even with a jeweled brow, painted eyes, etc. Further, there are OTHER faces, smaller, surrounding the main image, much like an icon "hides" faces in clouds etc. (See. Ludmilla Pawloska's work for more on the hidden faces form of art.)
JesusONazareth | Nov 14, 2011, 03:16 PM EST
Now, let's just see how many of the ones giving credit for this image of "ME" will actually believe that it's Me leaving a comment here. What?! You think I can carve rocks but I can't use the internet?!?!? BLASPHEMOUS!!!!
howareya | Nov 14, 2011, 01:38 PM EST
I think its pretty neat that she got the picture. I'm sure it was just a coincidence with the light and shadows but who knows what works behind coincidences. For all the church bashers....the Catholic Church does not promote these types of appearances or images. Whatever, leave Ms. Clifford alone. If it inspired her at all, then maybe it was meant to. Either way, it was a cool picture!
JerryLynch | Nov 14, 2011, 12:48 PM EST
There ARE pictures of Jesus Christ! When I was in the States in the mid-1960's, The later-to-be-famous radio personalty, "Wolfman Jack" (made famous in the movie "American Graffiti") was broadcasting out of Del Rio, Texas. In between spinning records, he was selling "autographed pictures of Jesus Christ!" Knowing that I had to have such a rare document to show ye others of little faith,I enthusiastically sent him my money. For unknown reasons, the picture didn't get to me before I returned home six months later, so I guess someone else has had it in their archives for all these years? If I had it, I'd gladly share it with Ms. Clifford to verify her equally rare documentation of the holy visage.
remyjean2002 | Nov 14, 2011, 11:50 AM EST
There are no pictures of Jesus that we know of, the ones we generally use are just an artists rendition. Granted, there may have been what appeared to be a face on the cliff walls, but who says it was "Jesus", just enjoy the pic and stop tagging "jesus" on it.
sjclifford | Nov 14, 2011, 08:33 AM EST
Dear All, Instead of bashing, I wish you'd use your gorgeous brains and locate the other tourist/visitors that were at the Cliffs Friday Nov 4, some time after 4pm. I too would like to see their photos and hear from them. Smiles, Sandra
Fintanoflaois | Nov 14, 2011, 04:12 AM EST
I wonder what she's smoking? But should she be allowed to fly planes?
SeanCitizen | Nov 14, 2011, 02:48 AM EST
Why would a real image of Jesus conform to a notion of a white European when Jesus would have had Semitic features? In a related story an Atheist recently made a slice of toast and there was no image of anybody on it.
Briandee | Nov 14, 2011, 01:12 AM EST
How about a little respect for Christianity? Less and less am I proud of my Irish heritage after reading you morons with your smart ass comments shame on you!!! Amazing what a decade of greed, drugs and immigrants will do to a once proud culture.
warlocks | Nov 13, 2011, 09:16 PM EST
After a few pints of Irish Ale i can hear me Wife say as i sneek in the Back Door Jesus Christ where have you Been at this late hour. I always say to her IT'S meself John not Jesus. Mary Kate likes to sip a few Shots of Irish Mist. she says it warms the cockels of her heart on damp nights.
steveross | Nov 13, 2011, 04:17 PM EST
Of course, it could just as easily be Bjorn Borg.
steveross | Nov 13, 2011, 03:54 PM EST
On mature reflection, I think it's probably Jim Morrison, but I'm planning to drive out there tomorrow and check. Being an Irish cliff, it could be Luke Kelly. We'll just have to check, but anyway, as they say in West Clare, I'm like, Wow! It's so totally awesome (as they say in West Clare) that the seagulls got their stuff together enough to make a picture on the rocks.
Collette2 | Nov 13, 2011, 03:08 PM EST
Collette2 agrees with null, whole heartedly.
Collette2 | Nov 13, 2011, 03:04 PM EST
This is one sure way of making it another world wonder. Shame on those exploiting the spirituality of the vunlnerable. It reminds me of the wily priest and Knock many years ago.
Ernesider | Nov 13, 2011, 12:29 PM EST
Absolutely brilliant photograph. Thank you for sharing and pay no attention to most of the comments here as this appears to be their only avenue to vent their displeasures and jealousies of others who have learned to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of nature among the many free gifts we all have access to.
BARNEYKX | Nov 13, 2011, 06:26 AM EST
Now i know where i lost my photo lol
Jamcelt | Nov 13, 2011, 06:11 AM EST
Is there any shock at all that an American thinks they saw this? FFS you can find an image of Christ in a bowl of cornflakes if you look hard and long enough.
stanJames | Nov 13, 2011, 03:46 AM EST
And I think in my other post I explained how Jesus claimed to have cured blindness....................... he prob tossed a bucket of cold water on a terrified person who claimed htey were blind. Or needed to be pulled out of a wine induced stupor
stanJames | Nov 13, 2011, 03:42 AM EST
I was terribly saddened when we had to put away our dog of many years. I would look at the sky for her to appear.............And one day a cloud appeared that seemed to have a head and 4 legs. It had nothing to do with the dog or god, and was a random occurrence on a windy day.......................And the mind does funny things. HUnting for a nursing home for my Mom with altsheimers I went into an old place. In a room for patients, I felt like I was tranmuted to being passed from person to person as an infant. and there was a small clump of a person on the bed.................I asked my oldest cousin, who remembered my grandmother well. She described exactly the same scene, she remembered it. It was the day my moms mother died in that nursing homeall of us were brought there by our parents etc. I was only 17 months old............... Anyone ever heard of the subconscious. Strange things can be brought up from long lost memories................... Another example - some people actually go blind, not from physical but emotional trauma. But eerily, if you have them walk an obstacle course, they will strangely dodge obstacles, but claim they didnt see anything..................this whole biz of seeing jesus etc is just psychological tricks of the subconcious and its "desire" And also driven by suggestion, eg one person sees it and ther other religious people claim to see it also......................Bottom line, it has nothing at all to do with god, and everything to do with minds tricks and the subconscious.......But the church uses these to make people feel better so they continue to give money to the church............to in recent years help pay off the victims of the endless hidden molestation of children
Woodcarver2002 | Nov 13, 2011, 03:06 AM EST
I think it is a Sidhe
Woodcarver2002 | Nov 13, 2011, 02:56 AM EST
Maybe it is a Sidhe? I think that's very possible and no I am not daft or had and Bushmills this evening.
warlocks | Nov 13, 2011, 01:04 AM EST
Come to think of it now ! It looks like me Old Mother in Law. bless her soul. shes with the Devil himself.
warlocks | Nov 13, 2011, 12:51 AM EST
Who really knows what Jesus looked like. no one ever took his picture and their are no real true to life Paintings of Jesus we only have Artist conceptions . that Image on the rocks didn't look like any Jesus picture i ever seen. looks more like a Monster .
RobbCobb | Nov 12, 2011, 10:28 PM EST
Way cool. I can see how it looks like Christ. Kind of a Shroud of Turin type of image. I've taken similar pictures of the pet door at my house leading to the back yard. I noticed my "Jesus image" on Easter Day no less. Talk about a bizarre moment.
manusod | Nov 12, 2011, 08:28 PM EST
sj clifford. Thanks for your comments here. Its nice to see the author of a photo or event give their own views. Your comments were very rational and much appreciated. Glad you had a wonderful trip and captured something different on your camera!
brianmack | Nov 12, 2011, 08:06 PM EST
I might be a bit daft, after having a bit of the Kettle One but it looks more like Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Bottom line, I'm taking the pledge!
rugbyplayer | Nov 12, 2011, 07:51 PM EST
Was it Jesus she saw on the Cliffs of Moher or Jesus after too many pints of Guinness?
CaptainCon | Nov 12, 2011, 07:13 PM EST
'Who is a practising catholic' is the key sentence in this article. People see what they want to see.
SeamusMor | Nov 12, 2011, 06:16 PM EST
Looks like Alice Cooper to me!
merefalow | Nov 12, 2011, 05:25 PM EST
she says they are legitimate,maybe..
Deidra47 | Nov 12, 2011, 04:25 PM EST
I've been to the Cliffs and did not see this face. The picture next to the one of Jesus....I see a woman's face and when looking again, I see an angel's form. It depends on angle, sunlight or lack of it, etc. what distortions show up and then each person's own perception of what is there. If she sees Jesus and it makes her happy, who cares.
Murph46 | Nov 12, 2011, 03:28 PM EST
I thought it was Rihana
BASchuler | Nov 12, 2011, 03:12 PM EST
Dear Sandra, I just came back from a 2 wk. tour of Ireland, including the Cliffs of Moher, which are gorgeous. My photos do not show the face because the sun was in a different place, but I am impressed with yours. Everyone can have thier own impression of what you captured and that should not take away from your amazing image. I too see the face and if Our Lord decided to make His presence known on that day, well, good on you! I wish mine pix were so lucky. Thank you for sharing it with me. This was our frist trip to Ireland; my husband and I had a wonderful time and will one day return.
Brolaur | Nov 12, 2011, 03:00 PM EST
Look, we just found €3.6 BILLION. This is a magic land. God is omnipresent!! I'm delighted or sjclifford; what a picture to go home with
sjclifford | Nov 12, 2011, 01:58 PM EST
Dear All, Thank you for your comments. If you see an alien, ram horns, Lady Gaga, etc. that is your wonderful choice. The facts as I see them 1) An image appeared on the Cliffs last week. 2) Strangers identified the image. 3) People who do not believe in any religion, faith, spirit, force, think it is a "cool" photo. - In retrospect, wish I had not shared my impression of the image and had just stuck with the facts. - Cool moment at the Cliffs, captured on digital camera, please interpret photos as you choose. In regards to the airline I fly for, I fly Corporate, have been in aviation 22 years, flown 54 different aircraft. To me - I had a fantastic trip to Ireland with my mother and friend Fiona. The Cliffs were gorgeous and this beautiful moment captured, face, rock, moss can been interpreted any way you so choose. Further I am happy to go with the "right conditions" that day: Rain/Sun/Cliffs/ Shadows/ even cliff climbers sculpture etc. Bottom line, Ireland trip was amazing and I am so happy to have witnessed and captured this incredible image on my digital camera at the Cliffs of Moher. Cheers, Sandra
olydublinr | Nov 12, 2011, 01:26 PM EST
I'm with you Steveross !!
tocon1941 | Nov 12, 2011, 12:32 PM EST
Oh shut your gob you bleedin atheists. It's himself..for sure. Didn't the lads in the pub think so? Jasus, I'm looking out the window now and I see him on the boot of my Honda.
oldboreen | Nov 12, 2011, 12:24 PM EST
As my late Granny used to say 'Spare us'!
kilkenny999 | Nov 12, 2011, 12:11 PM EST
i once came across a leprechaun in the woods in kilkenny,but i took my eyes off him and he disappeared with his pot of gold. never mind ,better luck next time.
cybersharque | Nov 12, 2011, 11:23 AM EST
Is it just Yanks who have lost their minds or do you lot have equally great problems with mental illness?
steveross | Nov 12, 2011, 11:20 AM EST
This woman is a pilot. Shouldn't we at least be told the name of the airline?
ChipperT | Nov 12, 2011, 11:18 AM EST
Looks more like Elvis.
bogsidebunny | Nov 12, 2011, 10:59 AM EST
The Irish will resort to any means including the inane, insane and "moving statue" mentality to attract tourism. The crazier the better when your prey is the faithful, religious types. I see an image of Lady gaga, myself.
Rwnevnstr | Nov 12, 2011, 10:15 AM EST
Looks more like a guy from Kiss than it does Jesus. Are those ram horns on the sides?
Azaharina | Nov 12, 2011, 10:15 AM EST
Sorry, but it looks a bit sinister to me.......
bimjimmy | Nov 12, 2011, 10:12 AM EST
There is no actual image of Christ's face ANYWHERE... accurate portrait painting did not exist 2,000 years ago, and photography did not come along until relatively recently. NOBODY knows what Christ actually looked like, so how can ANYBODY say something "looks like Christ"? Get a life, people... Christ's face looked pretty much just like all other men over 20 in the year 25 - and it was covered with a beard.
rgray222 | Nov 12, 2011, 10:11 AM EST
Looks more like and alien telling Ireland to get out of the EU, to prints its own money and to take control of its own destiny! I am just sayin!
Niamhaine | Nov 12, 2011, 10:07 AM EST
Or it could be the King of the Faeries, depending on your religion and imagination. Who knows what Jesus looked like? Why wasn't this used as part of the campaign to get the Cliffs on the 7 Natural Wonders list? So many questions, so few answers.......
colkelley | Nov 12, 2011, 09:59 AM EST
You gotta' be kiddin' me!
blessusnsaveus | Nov 12, 2011, 09:42 AM EST
Why is it that any "face" that appears has to be Jesus or Mary. I think it looks like the ape from Planet of the Apes.
eiriamach | Nov 12, 2011, 09:19 AM EST
Christ looks downcast in this image. Maybe He just finished reading "Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin slams decision to close Ireland’s Vatican embassy" in the Irish Central news articles. The crown of thorns seems to be tightening on His brow.
cillowen | Nov 12, 2011, 09:19 AM EST
how would she know? Guinness Jameson Bushmills.